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A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained community member appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine
the needs of abused and neglected children and youth petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social
Services. The GAL is paired with an Attorney Advocate to represent the child’s best interest in court.
Responsibilities

Gathering and assess independent information about the child’s needs by getting to know the child

Interviewing parents, caretakers, social workers, teachers and service providers

Reading records related to the child and family

Seeking cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case

Communicating with the GAL Attorney Advocate to develop legal strategies and prepare for court

Attending court hearings and other meetings

Writing child-focused reports for court hearings

Making recommendations in the child’s best interest

Testifying to support recommendations or inform the court of changes in the child’s situation

Empowering the Child’s Voice by ensuring that the court knows the child’s wishes

Keeping the child informed about the court proceedings

Facilitating the child’s participation in court hearings

Staying vigilant by monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis

Consulting with local program staff for support and guidance

Keeping all records and information confidential

QualificationsA Guardian ad Litem possesses:

A sincere concern for the well-being of children

A commitment to advocate for a child until a safe and permanent home is established and court involvement is no longer required

The ability to be objective and non-judgmental

The ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse economic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds

Good verbal and written communication skills

RequirementsGuardian ad Litem advocates commit to at least eight hours per month on a case, and they are encouraged to serve until the case is completed, which usually takes at
least a year. In order to become a GAL, you will need to complete:

an application

a screening interview with program staff

a criminal record check

After acceptance into the program, GALs complete 30 hours of training before being sworn in by a judge and appointed to advocate on behalf of a child. In addition to
advocating for the child, GALs will attend continuing education trainings.
Guardians ad Litem are supervised by program staff.